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Pumpkins are a hallmark produce of autumn, signifying that Halloween is nearing and winter is right around the corner. Of course, these orange behemoths are great for making a traditional jack-o’-lantern, but they also have a wide range of culinary applications. If you want to learn how to bake pies, pumpkin pie is a great place to start this fall. But don’t stop there, for pumpkin can be used in a number of other delicious meals ranging from breakfast specialties to delectable desserts. Here are some ideas for cooking with pumpkin this season:

Pumpkin pancakes
This take on classic breakfast pancakes will have those around your table excited for the changing of the leaves. Pumpkin pancakes are incredibly easy to make, essentially just requiring cooks to add pumpkin puree to the batter. However, these flapjacks can be taken a step further by adding pecans or spices such as cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg. To bring this breakfast to the next level, invest in some top-notch maple syrup and make homemade whipped cream to garnish.

Pumpkin soup
Pumpkin can be used to flavor a hearty soup or chili, which will come in handy as the weather begins to cool. If you don’t use too much cream, pumpkin soups and stews can be a healthy meal loaded with vegetables and spices. These pumpkin dishes can also usually be made gluten-free and vegan, making it easy to create a dish that coincides with any diet.

Pumpkin seeds Roasted pumpkin seeds are a great snack to have around the house after a morning raking up leaves or a day dedicated to football. This is a great way to use the seeds from a pumpkin that has been transformed into a jack-o’-lantern. When you’re scooping out the inside of the pumpkin, set aside the seeds in a colander. Once you’ve finished, rinse off the seeds and then roast them for half an hour at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Afterward, these tasty seeds can be salted and seasoned to preference. Add sugar to give them a sweeter flavor or use barbecue seasoning for something more savory.

Chocolate chip pumpkin muffins
Thanksgiving may seem incomplete without a pumpkin pie, but consider making chocolate chip pumpkin muffins during the holidays this year. For those who don’t enjoy the texture of pumpkin pie, muffins may be a more desirable dessert as autumn comes and goes.